''Develop guidelines for best practices and promotional materials to encourage formation and growth of new communities.

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==== Description ====

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The Public Library Association is in the midst of restructuring and has identified communities of Practice as a potential integral part of its future. Communities of Practice will be formed either as a transition from an existing committee or unit as a new community. This EL team will be charged with developing guidelines, how-to's, best practices and promotional materials to encourage the formation and growth of new communities.

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== Group Members ==

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==== Expected Outcomes ====

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==== Group Members ====

Andrew Chanse <br />

Andrew Chanse <br />

−

Renée Di Palto <br />

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Renée Di Pilato <br />

Emily Inlow-Hood <br />

Emily Inlow-Hood <br />

Rebecca Lubin <br />

Rebecca Lubin <br />

Jay Turner <br />

Jay Turner <br />

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==== Introductions ====

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'''Renée Di Pilato'''

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My name is Renée Di Pilato and I have been working at the Alexandria Library since 2005. Presently, I am the Branch Manager at the Duncan Branch where I have been for the past two years. Prior to coming to Alexandria, I was a librarian at the Norfolk Public Library and a library assistant for many years at Virginia Beach Public Library. I received my MLS from the Catholic University of America and completed my Masters in Public Administration at George Mason University in 2006.

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I live in Old Town Alexandria with my husband, Andy, who will be finished with his MLS in December 2008. We have a spoiled dog and cat who get most of our attention these days.

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I am excited to meet all of you in Philadelphia and look forward to working together in the coming months.

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'''Andrew Chanse'''<br />

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I'm Andrew Chanse, Staff Development Supervisor for Maricopa County Library District. I began my professional career with the Maricopa County Library District in August 2005 as an Adult Services Librarian. I have varied work histories with other info-centered organizations, namely Arizona State University (Government Documents, Serials Receiving, Library Assistant) and Changing Hands Bookstore (Customer Service, Buyer/Trader, Trainer).<br />

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I've also been actively involved in the Arizona Library Association for the past two years, serving as a Program Co-chair for the 2006 and 2007 annual conferences.<br />

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'''Jay Turner'''<br />

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My name is Jay Turner, Staff Development Manager for Gwinnett County Public Library. I've served in this capacity since June of this year, but I have a long history with my current employer. I began working with GCPL five years ago as a part-time library assistant. Over the years here, I've worn almost every conceivable hat: library assistant, library associate, librarian, trainer, and now, after receiving my MLS from Florida State last year, training manager. I began working in public libraries as a shelver for my neighborhood library when I was 14... and here I am 14 years later as a professional librarian, and proud of it.<br />

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Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my lovely wife (a librarian, imagine that!) and my blended family, which consists of my two sons and daughter, ages 6,5, and 4, respectively. When I'm not plotting my next great idea in learning or doing the typical daddy duties, you'll probably find me rocking out to Guitar Hero III or playing Wii Sports with my children. I also actively contribute to the unofficial blog of ALA's CLENE round table, CE Buzz (http://cebuzz.wordpress.com) <br />

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I'm excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with everyone.

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'''Emily Inlow-Hood'''

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My name is Emily Inlow-Hood, Community Special Projects Coordinator WebJunction. Before starting work for WJ in February, I was in Guatemala, as a library fellow/consultant for Child Aid, a nonprofit that works with public and school libraries in Guatemala. I've worked for a variety of types of libraries including academic, public, and an internship at a news library. I got my MLIS from the University of Washington, along with a Certificate of International Development and Policy Management from the Evans School of Public Affairs. Before my life as a librarian, I was a bookstore girl, where I learned, as manager, some of the challenges of running a small business. I also had a brief stint as community organizer, which introduced me to my favorite Seattle neighborhood I now call home.

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I am recently married (as the hyphenated name should indicate) and I'm still getting used to the new name and new level our relationship has gained. I really love working in my garden, and as a newbie gardener, am always trying to gather information from more experienced gardeners. I have no kids, but I do have a cat that I adore, and who sometimes adores me back. I have a blog, that I am pretty good about writing, http://devlibrarian.wordpress.com/. It explores the intersection of international development, disaster relief, community development, and libraries.

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I look forward to the coming months, and meeting in Philadelphia.

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'''Rebecca Lubin'''

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My name is Rebecca Lubin. I am currently the Branch Librarian at the Delaware Branch of Albany Public Library in Albany, NY. I have been at my current job since December, 2006. Before that I worked as the Library Director if the Rensselaerville Library, a tiny, rural town about 30 miles southwest of Albany. In addition to my MLS I also have a Master's Degree in City and Regional Planning and worked as a local land use planner around New York State for 15 years.

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I live with my partner, Joe, an attorney, and our five dogs and seven cats in Rensselaerville. On weekends and school vacations we are also joined by Joe's two children Erica (19 years old, a Sophomore in college) and Jesse (15 years old, a sophomore in high school).

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I enjoyed meeting you all in Philadelphia and am very excited about our project.

Succintly, the customers of this project is PLA governance, to whom we must deliver our recommendations. However, the implementation of CoPs affects a secondary audience due to modifying the structure of PLA's committee system. The modification to the committee structure directly affects PLA members at large looking to become more involved and erstwhile members of dissolved committees who wish to continue their involvement. CoP will serve as a means for members to network with each other about issues and topics in public libraries. It is also the only vehicle for dissolved committees to keep participating. PLA governance still envisions itself as having a core of active, standing committees that do not necessarily have to utilize the CoP structure.

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4. ''What are the deliverables for the customers? What will be produced.''

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Our group will produce the following: a poster session, a presentation(s) to PLA, and technical recommendations on implementing CoP. Note that the technology used to implement CoP is most likely to be dictated by the technology that ALA will adopt. Currently Moodle and Drupel are the front-runners.

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5. ''List the specifications for each deliverable. What criteria are customers likely to use to determine their satisfaction with a deliverable.''

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Our group has not yet determined a list of specifications for each deliverable. However, we have determined the following criteria as satisfaction indicators: persuasiveness, clarity, simpicity, and relevance.

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6. ''List the activities or steps to follow to achieve the goals and produce the deliverables.''

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To be determined.

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7. ''What is the desired time frame? When do you hope to complete the project?''

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Approximately June 1, 2008.

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----

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== Additional Notes to the Project Plan ==

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''Where do we start?''

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1. Perform an initial needs assessment.

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-Survey

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-Attend PLA Leadership meeting on Saturday, January 12 (completed)

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2. Look at existing structure of PLA and how it works.

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-Obtain a list of existing committees.

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-Which committees will remain? Which ones will become CoP?

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3. Team members become conversant on communities of practice.

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4. Utilize Emily's teleconference number for scheduled meetings.

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5. Team members read “Cultivating Communities of Practice” by Etienne Wenger. Focus initially on the following selected readings:

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-Chapter 3: 7 principles for cultivating CoP

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-Chapter 4: Early Stages of Development

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-Chapter 6: Distributed communities

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-P. 71 (common ground and getting connected)

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-P. 75 (defining CoP domain)

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-P. 76 (4 different types of CoP)

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''Initial Timeline''

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'''By January 18''':

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-Everyone send Gmail account info to Emily

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-Set up Google calendar

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-Emily set up Google Docs group by Jan. 22

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'''By February 1:'''

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-How many committees in PLA?

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-Each person writes annotation of their assigned PLA committee (each person have group

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of 5 or 10, whatever)

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'''By February (Time to be determined):'''

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-Conference call about CoP research, general structure of PLA, and then look ahead to PLA

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'''Ongoing'''

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-Bi-monthly conference calls on Thursdays

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+

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''Initial consultation notes from Alan, Larry, and Joe''

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+

24 members on the PLA Board. Loaded with committees. Low attendance in some committee meetings. Committees need a task, purpose, and definite start/finish. There is also a need for sharing ideas and discussions without formal meetings. If everything goes as planned, anyone who is member of PLA can participate in CoP. If a real need is identitified by CoP, then they can recommend to PLA for a formal taskforce. Goal is streamlined and proactive.

+

+

Proposed changes to bylaws which will allow change in structure. They want to see how some other places are implementing CoP. Concern is that some people will want to stay in their niche and averse to more open sharing. Opportunity is that some people may be relieved that they don’t have to be wedded to two meetings a year and travel costs for face-2-face meetings. F-2-F is a component. A CoP could have a provision to meet at a conference.

+

+

Do you need a discussion leader? Do you need a core group of leaders from the folks interested in starting the CoP initially.

+

+

Larry envisions that committees informed they’re being dissolved, they can choose to go on as a CoP.

+

+

PLA can help with a needs assessment. CoP push seems to come PLA Board.

Develop guidelines for best practices and promotional materials to encourage formation and growth of new communities.

Description

The Public Library Association is in the midst of restructuring and has identified communities of Practice as a potential integral part of its future. Communities of Practice will be formed either as a transition from an existing committee or unit as a new community. This EL team will be charged with developing guidelines, how-to's, best practices and promotional materials to encourage the formation and growth of new communities.

Expected Outcomes

Group Members

Introductions

Renée Di Pilato

My name is Renée Di Pilato and I have been working at the Alexandria Library since 2005. Presently, I am the Branch Manager at the Duncan Branch where I have been for the past two years. Prior to coming to Alexandria, I was a librarian at the Norfolk Public Library and a library assistant for many years at Virginia Beach Public Library. I received my MLS from the Catholic University of America and completed my Masters in Public Administration at George Mason University in 2006.

I live in Old Town Alexandria with my husband, Andy, who will be finished with his MLS in December 2008. We have a spoiled dog and cat who get most of our attention these days.

I am excited to meet all of you in Philadelphia and look forward to working together in the coming months.

Andrew Chanse

I'm Andrew Chanse, Staff Development Supervisor for Maricopa County Library District. I began my professional career with the Maricopa County Library District in August 2005 as an Adult Services Librarian. I have varied work histories with other info-centered organizations, namely Arizona State University (Government Documents, Serials Receiving, Library Assistant) and Changing Hands Bookstore (Customer Service, Buyer/Trader, Trainer).

I've also been actively involved in the Arizona Library Association for the past two years, serving as a Program Co-chair for the 2006 and 2007 annual conferences.

Jay Turner

My name is Jay Turner, Staff Development Manager for Gwinnett County Public Library. I've served in this capacity since June of this year, but I have a long history with my current employer. I began working with GCPL five years ago as a part-time library assistant. Over the years here, I've worn almost every conceivable hat: library assistant, library associate, librarian, trainer, and now, after receiving my MLS from Florida State last year, training manager. I began working in public libraries as a shelver for my neighborhood library when I was 14... and here I am 14 years later as a professional librarian, and proud of it.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my lovely wife (a librarian, imagine that!) and my blended family, which consists of my two sons and daughter, ages 6,5, and 4, respectively. When I'm not plotting my next great idea in learning or doing the typical daddy duties, you'll probably find me rocking out to Guitar Hero III or playing Wii Sports with my children. I also actively contribute to the unofficial blog of ALA's CLENE round table, CE Buzz (http://cebuzz.wordpress.com)

I'm excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with everyone.

Emily Inlow-Hood

My name is Emily Inlow-Hood, Community Special Projects Coordinator WebJunction. Before starting work for WJ in February, I was in Guatemala, as a library fellow/consultant for Child Aid, a nonprofit that works with public and school libraries in Guatemala. I've worked for a variety of types of libraries including academic, public, and an internship at a news library. I got my MLIS from the University of Washington, along with a Certificate of International Development and Policy Management from the Evans School of Public Affairs. Before my life as a librarian, I was a bookstore girl, where I learned, as manager, some of the challenges of running a small business. I also had a brief stint as community organizer, which introduced me to my favorite Seattle neighborhood I now call home.

I am recently married (as the hyphenated name should indicate) and I'm still getting used to the new name and new level our relationship has gained. I really love working in my garden, and as a newbie gardener, am always trying to gather information from more experienced gardeners. I have no kids, but I do have a cat that I adore, and who sometimes adores me back. I have a blog, that I am pretty good about writing, http://devlibrarian.wordpress.com/. It explores the intersection of international development, disaster relief, community development, and libraries.

I look forward to the coming months, and meeting in Philadelphia.

Rebecca Lubin

My name is Rebecca Lubin. I am currently the Branch Librarian at the Delaware Branch of Albany Public Library in Albany, NY. I have been at my current job since December, 2006. Before that I worked as the Library Director if the Rensselaerville Library, a tiny, rural town about 30 miles southwest of Albany. In addition to my MLS I also have a Master's Degree in City and Regional Planning and worked as a local land use planner around New York State for 15 years.

I live with my partner, Joe, an attorney, and our five dogs and seven cats in Rensselaerville. On weekends and school vacations we are also joined by Joe's two children Erica (19 years old, a Sophomore in college) and Jesse (15 years old, a sophomore in high school).

I enjoyed meeting you all in Philadelphia and am very excited about our project.

Readings

Meeting 1 Minutes

Friday, January 11, 2008

Team Roles

Emily: Update wiki/blog with team progress each month.
Jay: Keep in touch with the mentor and ALA contact person.
Andrew: Lead the poster project.
Rebecca: Write up the findings.
Renee: Monitor the work of the team and make sure that each member contributes and completes assignments.

Project Plan

1. Review the description of your project. Identify the key elements or components of the project.

Our key elements include: a needs assessment, presentation to PLA, review of CoP research, review of PLA's committee structure, and an analysis of how the research can be applied to PLA.

2. Specify the goals of the project. Describe what you want to accomplish.
Jay's note: I don't have clear information here. Anyone have anything to add here?

3. Who are the customers of this project?

Succintly, the customers of this project is PLA governance, to whom we must deliver our recommendations. However, the implementation of CoPs affects a secondary audience due to modifying the structure of PLA's committee system. The modification to the committee structure directly affects PLA members at large looking to become more involved and erstwhile members of dissolved committees who wish to continue their involvement. CoP will serve as a means for members to network with each other about issues and topics in public libraries. It is also the only vehicle for dissolved committees to keep participating. PLA governance still envisions itself as having a core of active, standing committees that do not necessarily have to utilize the CoP structure.

4. What are the deliverables for the customers? What will be produced.

Our group will produce the following: a poster session, a presentation(s) to PLA, and technical recommendations on implementing CoP. Note that the technology used to implement CoP is most likely to be dictated by the technology that ALA will adopt. Currently Moodle and Drupel are the front-runners.

5. List the specifications for each deliverable. What criteria are customers likely to use to determine their satisfaction with a deliverable.

Our group has not yet determined a list of specifications for each deliverable. However, we have determined the following criteria as satisfaction indicators: persuasiveness, clarity, simpicity, and relevance.

6. List the activities or steps to follow to achieve the goals and produce the deliverables.

To be determined.

7. What is the desired time frame? When do you hope to complete the project?

Approximately June 1, 2008.

Additional Notes to the Project Plan

Where do we start?

1. Perform an initial needs assessment.

-Survey

-Attend PLA Leadership meeting on Saturday, January 12 (completed)

2. Look at existing structure of PLA and how it works.

-Obtain a list of existing committees.

-Which committees will remain? Which ones will become CoP?

3. Team members become conversant on communities of practice.

4. Utilize Emily's teleconference number for scheduled meetings.

5. Team members read “Cultivating Communities of Practice” by Etienne Wenger. Focus initially on the following selected readings:

-Chapter 3: 7 principles for cultivating CoP

-Chapter 4: Early Stages of Development

-Chapter 6: Distributed communities

-P. 71 (common ground and getting connected)

-P. 75 (defining CoP domain)

-P. 76 (4 different types of CoP)

Initial Timeline

By January 18:

-Everyone send Gmail account info to Emily

-Set up Google calendar

-Emily set up Google Docs group by Jan. 22

By February 1:

-How many committees in PLA?

-Each person writes annotation of their assigned PLA committee (each person have group
of 5 or 10, whatever)

By February (Time to be determined):

-Conference call about CoP research, general structure of PLA, and then look ahead to PLA

Ongoing

-Bi-monthly conference calls on Thursdays

Initial consultation notes from Alan, Larry, and Joe

24 members on the PLA Board. Loaded with committees. Low attendance in some committee meetings. Committees need a task, purpose, and definite start/finish. There is also a need for sharing ideas and discussions without formal meetings. If everything goes as planned, anyone who is member of PLA can participate in CoP. If a real need is identitified by CoP, then they can recommend to PLA for a formal taskforce. Goal is streamlined and proactive.

Proposed changes to bylaws which will allow change in structure. They want to see how some other places are implementing CoP. Concern is that some people will want to stay in their niche and averse to more open sharing. Opportunity is that some people may be relieved that they don’t have to be wedded to two meetings a year and travel costs for face-2-face meetings. F-2-F is a component. A CoP could have a provision to meet at a conference.

Do you need a discussion leader? Do you need a core group of leaders from the folks interested in starting the CoP initially.

Larry envisions that committees informed they’re being dissolved, they can choose to go on as a CoP.

PLA can help with a needs assessment. CoP push seems to come PLA Board.